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The next time winter rears its ugly head be ready with our fantastic Adult Snow Day game plan. Also this week we've got the story on "The Roommate" at Portland Stage, a Bar Guide review of Emilitsa, a Face the Music preview of a local Dolores O'Riordan tribute show, the debut of our new beer column Tap Lines, concert previews and so much more. Have at it!

Winter might still be weeks away, but you can start getting into it now. Catch Warren Miller's "Chasing Shadows" on Saturday, run like Santa on Sunday or go ice skating. Or stay inside for a puppet slam, a vintage cocktail party or trivia. Read on

The annual tree lighting in Portland drew (what seemed like) thousands people to Monument Square. Families thronged to center of Portland to drink hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols with Rick Charette, the Fog Cutters, and the Jason Spooner band. And of course count down to the lighting of the giant Christmas tree. Read on

Mainers packed the State Theatre to kick off the snow season with Warren Miller Entertainment’s 2015 film, “Chasing Shadows.” Maine’s snowboard cross legend Seth Wescott is featured in the film snowboarding epic mountains in Nepal just prior to the earthquake. More info about the film tour: http://www.skinet.com/warrenmiller/2o15Tour Read on

Thousands of Santas hustled around the Maine Mall early Sunday morning, dashing into the holiday season with the Santa Hustle New England 5K & Half Marathon. Runners took the Santa hats, beards and running tops and stepped up their game with outrageously festive costuming in this Easter Seals Maine fundraiser. Read on

Let the holiday shopping begin! Shop crafts on State Street in Portland or shop in your PJs in Brunswick. Also: Martinis for a good cause, pay-what-you-can Shakespeare, comedy in Auburn and more. Read on

It's a tough way to start the day - being forced from the warm womb of sleep and into a wicked world of tooth brushing and poorly timed traffic lights. But Saturday's Early Bird event - complete with rolling slumber bed races and pajama-clad shopping - might be the best reason you've had to get up early in a long time. Read on

Drink wine to help a puppy rescue or drink beer just because you want to. This weekend also boasts the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Improv ME Festival, a Fall Festival (with paintball guns!) and a swing dancing crash course. Read on

This month, check out Rich Entel's stunning menagerie made from cardboard and instrument parts and Molly Steinmetz's really small portraits. The Portland Rattle installation goes in on Friday and the cartoons and watercolors of Bill Woodman will also be on display. Read on